Naysayers and doubters now have one less reason to slam electric motorcycles: Zero's battery-powered MX motocross bike beat a field of 40 internal combustion (and four other electric bikes from rival Quantya) in a scramble-style race put on by the French Federation of Motorcycles.

The competition, which took place in Gironville, France, ultimately highlighted the Zero MX's strengths, though back-to-back qualifying rounds proved a challenge since 15 minute gaps didn't allow enough time for full recharges. Rider Thomas Aubrey qualified in 13th place, then used the bike's 156 pound weight and 23 horsepower to propel himself to fifth in the first moto, and first in the second, for a final top spot finish.

Though the battery capacity and top speed limitations of electric road bikes still force them to lag behind their gas-powered counterparts, it's clear that the instantaneous torque and light weight construction of electric dirtbikes makes them a force to be reckoned with on offroad circuits.

Reported By: Rob Hughes (rhughes@kswt.com)

Imperial County, CA October 26- A man is killed at the sand dunes in a violent accident. Police say it's a tragedy that everyone can learn from.

Police say a 34 year old Tijuana man's life was tragically cut short Friday afternoon after his ATV plummeted 45 feet down a "cut slope" in Imperial County's "Dune Buggy Flats."

"It wasn't a razorback, it's just a cut slope, but because of the wind shift, it deletes one side of the dune, and it's unexpected, and when you fall it would be pretty steep and causes great damage to the body," said Officer Jose Sanchez with the California Highway Patrol in Winterhaven.

Sanchez is seeing lots of people hit the dunes this season, while riding their ATV's very fast in unforgiving terrain.

"The terrain is very dangerous out there, the terrain often changes due to increasing winds off and on; you can't expect a flat surface if you're going up a steep slope," said Sanchez.

Sanchez says no matter your experience level, a few time-tested safety methods could keep you out of the hospital, and save your life.

"Everybody should be aware to drive slow, get familiar with the area first, and then gain some experience before you take off and start riding," said Sanchez.

However, even if you follow safety precautions to the "T," Sanchez explains that there are no guarantees in the dunes, and encourages you to always be careful.

"My advice is to take as much information as possible, take classes on how to wear the proper equipment out there, even though you wear the proper equipment, it could get dangerous; you could break legs and limbs," said Sanchez.

Police say the accident is under investigation.

Specifications

Engine

Engine Type - 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke

Bore And Stroke -  96mm x 62.1mm

Compression Ratio -  12.0:1

Valve Train - Unicam®, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steel

Induction -  Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 50mm throttle body

Ignition -  Full transistor with electronic advance

Drive Train

Transmission - Close-ratio five-speed

Final Drive - #520 chain; 13T/48T

Chassis / Suspension / Brakes

Front Suspension - 48mm inverted KYB® Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel

Rear Suspension - Pro-Link KYB single shock with spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed; 12.6 inches travel

Front Brake - Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper

Rear Brake - Single 240mm disc

Front Tire - 80/100-21

Rear Tire - 120/80-19

Dimensions

Wheelbase - 58.7 inches

Rake - (Caster Angle): 26° 52'

Trail - 114.2mm (4.5 inches)

Seat Height - 37.6 inches

Ground Clearance - 13.1 inches

Fuel Capacity - 1.5 gallons

Curb Weight - 234.8 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel—ready to ride)

Other

Available Colors - Red

Model Id - CRF450R

More information at Honda Powersports

Who needs a permit?
One permit is needed per primary vehicle. A primary vehicle is any street legal vehicle used for transportation to the recreation site. A permit is required at all times while in the fee area and may be required to exit the area. Please keep your permit until you exit the fee area.

How long do I have to purchase a permit?
The permit is required immediately upon arrival to the recreation area.

What are my permit options?
There will be two major changes to the ISDRA fee program for the upcoming 2009/2010 season. For more details, visit the CA BLM newsroom.

Offsite (outside Imperial Sand Dunes fee boundary.)
Season permit $90 - valid from October 1 to September 30
Weekly permit $25 - valid for seven consecutive days upon entry.

Onsite (within Imperial Sand Dunes fee boundary.)
Season permit $120 - valid from October 1 to September 30
Weekly permit $40 - valid for seven consecutive days upon entry.

Where does it apply?
The entire Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area and its 1 mile planning area boundary. This includes, but is not limited to, Buttercup, Gecko Rd, Glamis, Gordons Well/Dunebuggy Flats, Mammoth Wash, Ogilby, Osborne, along both sides of the Coachella Canal and Ted Kipf Rd. See map.

Does my America the Beautiful (Golden Access/Age/Eagle passports) pass reduce the fees?
No. America the Beautiful passes only apply to "entry" and "use" fees. America the Beautiful program discounts do not apply to the "non commercial special recreation permit fees" which are charged in this off-highway vehicle area. Please see the back of your America the Beautiful pass for more details.

Where can I purchase a 7-day or season pass ?
2009/2010 are available now.

* Offsite
o Over the phone: 1-800-832-7664
o www.imperialsanddunes.net
o Various vendors located throughout CA and AZ.
* Onsite
o Fee collection stations
o Various dune-area vendors

Can I convert my weekly permit(s) into a season permit.
No.

Can I still replace my permit if it is lost or stolen?
No. A non-commercial special recreation permit has a value. When a permit is carelessly lost, forgotten or misplaced the price of having to buy another one or receiving a citation becomes an unwanted expense. It is important (and the visitor's responsibility) to secure the permit inside the vehicle making sure it is properly displayed at the same time.

Hint: keep vehicle windows rolled up and doors locked at all times.

Please Remember...

* Purchasing a permit does not give you the right to break the law. Under certain circumstances, a law enforcement officer may revoke your permit, evict parties temporarily or for the season, if warranted. To avoid such actions, adherence to all laws are vital to have a safe and successful weekend. If your permit has been revoked, you will not be refunded.

Get your Glamis Season pass here